08 Jan, 2022
The health coaching program is holistic in that I encourage treating the whole person in regard to health and wellness. I have been exposed to more than 100 different dietary theories to discover the importance of highq uality, nutrient-dense foods. While good dietary nutrition helps build the foundation for wellness, it’s not the only pillar. A core principle in my practice is that nutrition extends far beyond food – nutrition comprises all things that nourish the body. I have been trained to help my clients nourish themselves with the primary foods of life, including spirituality, career, physical activity, and relationships. Research continues to support the use of lifestyle change involving exercise, spiritual practice, diet, and other behaviors for conditions such as chronic stress, weight loss, migraine headaches, constipation, and arthritis, as well as many others. The United States is facing a healthcare crisis as the current system fails to address the epidemic of chronic disease crippling its citizens and economy. Even though over $3 trillion is spent annually on healthcare, our nation is plagued with preventable epidemics like type 2 diabetes, from which one-third of all children today will eventually suffer. If over 80% of preventable disease risk factors are influenced by behaviors like smoking, chronic stress, poor diet, or lack of exercise, why are we so unsuccessful at changing these behaviors? The standard American diet is spreading throughout the world and bringing with it the chronic diseases it causes. While traditional medical professionals play specific roles in contributing to an individual’s overall wellness, the current healthcare model fails to bring about lasting, healthy lifestyle changes. More than 65% of Americans are overweight, and it is estimated that by 2022 half of all Americans will have a chronic disease. Physicians, nurses, dietitians, and other healthcare professionals serve crucial functions but may not have the time or intent to discuss other factors that prevent clients from carrying out their well-intentioned recommendations. As a Health Coach, I help fill this void. I have been trained to promote core, foundational health concepts to individuals all over the world and to support them in making sustainable lifestyle changes. With a strong focus on behavioral choices along with the basic understanding of dietary patterns and overall health, I am able to fulfill an important and distinct role that does not rely on an advanced degree in medicine, nutrition science, or dietetics. I do not directly compete with other healthcare providers; rather, I complement all health professionals, including dietitians, nutritionists, nurses, doctors, and mental health professionals. I help my clients develop target goals and a viable plan for carrying out regimens prescribed by their medical professionals as well as enacting basic, health-supportive modifications and habits. By supporting real-world lifestyle and behavioral changes, as a health coach I play a crucial part in health maintenance, disease prevention, and even disease reversal – supporting the concerted mission of all healthcare professionals to increase health and the quality of life. To Our Health! ~Natalie